List of safe herbs & spices for parrots
A healthy, varied and nutritious diet for your parrot includes:
- A reputable parrot pellet brand
- Fruits (bird-safe list here)
- Vegetables (bird-safe list here)
- Grains (bird-safe list here)
- Flowers (bird-safe list here)
- Herbs and spices
- Sprouts (bird-safe list here)
- Nuts (occasionally) (bird-safe list here)
- Seeds (sparingly) (bird-safe list here)
Important notes
- It is recommended to offer your bird a variety of different herbs and spices
- Fresh or dried herbs in this list is safe for birds
- This list of herbs and spices is the entirety of what we know are safe for parrots. If you know about a safe herb or spice that have not been included, please contact us. However please do not contact us asking about other herbs or spices not listed
Alfalfa |
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Anise (Star anise) |
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Entire pod and seed is safe for parrots |
Barberry Root |
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Bay leaf |
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Basil Thai Basil Holy Basil (Tulsi) |
Basil
Thai Basil
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
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Burdock Root |
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Celery Root |
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Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks (True cinnamon) |
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Powdered or whole Ceylon cinnamon is safe for parrots Cassia/Chinese cinnamon is NOT SAFE because of extremely high levels of coumarin, a blood thinner that is toxic and can cause liver damage or failure.
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Chicory root |
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Cloves |
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Coriander (Cilantro) |
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Seeds and leaves are safe |
Dandelion leaf |
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Helps with digestion and liver function and weight loss in overweight birds High in calcium Improves skin and feather quality |
Dill |
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Ginger Root |
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Horseradish Root |
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Lemongrass |
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Lemonbalm |
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Marjoram |
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Mint |
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Calming and soothing herb, great for anxious or plucking birds |
Nettle leaf |
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Oregano |
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Add oregano to fresh chop to prevent microbial growth |
Parsley |
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Feed moderately as parsley contains oxalic acid Oxalic acid grabs calcium and forms calcium oxalate – the main ingredient in kidney stones |
Peppermint |
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Great for digestive upset |
Raspberry leaves |
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Great for egg bound birds or birds laying eggs |
Rosemary |
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Rooibos leaf |
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Sage |
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St. John’s Wort |
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Thyme |
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Turmeric |
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